The meander motif took its name from the river Meander, a river with many twists, mentioned by Homer in Iliad. The motif is also known as Greek key or Greek fret.

Meander was the most important symbol in Ancient Greece, symbolizing infinity or the eternal flow of things. Many temples and objects were decorated with this motif, and it is considered that there is a connection with the Cretan labyrinth – indeed - a labyrinth can be drawn using a Greek key.

Meander symbolizes as well the bonds of friendship, of love and devotion and that’s the reason it’s often given as marriage gift. It can symbolize as well the four cardinal points, the 4 seasons, waves – especially in the round version of it, or snakes, among others.

The Greek Key in interior design is very much in vogue. This oversized embroidered trim by Scalamandre makes quite a statement on a kitchen valance in this Atlanta kitchen.

A Greek Key wallcovering in a carefully selected space makes quite a design statement as does this one by Seabrook.

One word of caution, use the Greek Key in your design judiciously. Applying it in too many different places in a room can lessen its punch.